They knew Jarry was capable, as he’s put together a solid body of work in this league that’s included two NHL All-Star nods and some good runs – but also understood the challenge of trying to come out on the other side stronger. It could’ve been easy to fold under the weight of everything. Instead, Jarry handled it tremendously well.
“It’s not an easy situation, whether it’s losing or being in the position he was in. As a goalie, there is so much pressure and so much expectations,” Sidney Crosby said. “I think being put in that situation, going to Wilkes, coming back, responding the way he has says a lot about him and his work ethic and his willingness to keep working and battle through it. He’s done a great job of it, and we’re all definitely happy for him.”
Going into that first matchup with the Wild, Jarry admitted to feeling some nerves along with excitement, saying he tried using it to his advantage. He ended up stopping 29 of 30 shots in a 3-1 win, and was particularly strong on a successful four-minute penalty kill.
When asked about Jarry’s performance following the game, Bryan Rust broke into a huge grin.
“I love that sh*t,” the star winger said. “He was awesome tonight. He's been through a lot, obviously. He's come right back up here, great attitude, came in and had a hell of a game. I think that shows how high character he is.”
Jarry followed that up with another strong outing once the team returned home following a three-game trip that included the trade deadline. Sullivan used the word “spectacular” to describe Jarry’s play.
“He just looks big in the net,” Sullivan went on to say. “The vantage point I get from the bench, you just don't see a whole lot, and that’s usually a sign that he's playing a confident game. He's tracking pucks. He's playing with confidence. He's got a calm demeanor. His handles, as far as when he comes out and plays a puck, have been simple and efficient.”
In addition to what Jarry’s brought on the ice, he’s been the exact same person off of it. Jarry came back to Pittsburgh with a great attitude, humble and candid about his game, but the same terrific teammate. He’s quietly one of the funniest guys in the room with his quick wit and dry humor, someone everyone enjoys being around, and they’re glad to have Jarry back.
“Coming in, he hasn't changed one bit, which is awesome to see,” Karlsson said. “It's easy to get down on yourself, but I think that he's come in here, and he believes in himself, and he's the same person he was since last we saw him. The last few games for us here, obviously he's proven that he's capable of winning games for us.”
